Pelion connects cloud-based IoT facial recognition security system, Facewatch

With over £1.5 billion in annual retail losses due to theft and a sharp rise in violence against staff, UK retailers are seeking smarter, more proactive deterrents. Enter Facewatch, the UK’s leader in facial recognition IoT for crime prevention, a company leveraging cutting-edge technology, powered by Pelion’s cellular IoT connectivity, to transform in-store security.

The Rise of Facial Recognition IoT in Retail

Retailers today face a crisis: traditional surveillance and limited police resources are no longer enough to combat growing threats. Facewatch offers a modern, IoT-powered solution that enables stores to detect and respond to crime in real time.

Using facial recognition IoT, Facewatch allows retailers to:

• Detect Subjects of Interest entering the store

• Receive instant alerts via cloud-based systems

• Take appropriate and timely action to prevent theft or aggression

This is made possible through a high-resolution camera at store entrances, linked to an edge device and connected via Pelion’s secure 4G cellular network.

Why IoT Connectivity Is Critical

Every second, Facewatch’s system processes multiple video frames, identifying faces, matching them to a secure database, and sending encrypted alerts. This entire process depends on ultra-reliable, low-latency IoT connectivity, a requirement met by Pelion’s robust network.

Key benefits of Pelion’s cellular IoT connectivity include:

• Independent operation, isolated from the retailer’s internal network

• Faster upload speeds compared to traditional broadband

• Secure, encrypted transmission directly to the cloud

This reliable connection ensures that alerts are received within seconds, not minutes, critical for stopping incidents before they escalate.

Built for Scale and Compliance

Facewatch’s solution is hardware agnostic, compatible with any router, SIM, or camera. Their unique combination of two independent facial recognition algorithms plus human validation ensures unmatched accuracy and integrity in identifying offenders.

They also ensure full UKGDPR compliance by:

1. Demonstrating the necessity of data processing

2. Limiting data use to the prevention of crime

3. Acting in the substantial public interest

Facewatch serves as a data controller, ensuring all data is securely stored, processed, and shared only where justified, relieving their retail clients of that regulatory burden.

Challenges Solved by IoT and Pelion

Reliable connectivity is the backbone of the facial recognition IoT model. Via the Pelion Portal, Pelion delivers:

• Nationwide coverage and low latency

• Remote access for rapid configuration and troubleshooting

• Data usage monitoring to avoid bill shock

• Scalable SIM management through a centralized platform

By partnering with Pelion, Facewatch has eliminated service delays and gained the flexibility to meet demand from large retailers rolling out to hundreds of sites at a time.

Data Efficiency and Cost Control

Processing facial recognition data consumes significant bandwidth. Pelion’s connectivity solution optimizes transmission to balance speed, accuracy, and cost-efficiency.

• Smart data alerts help Facewatch avoid usage overages

• Transparent pricing and reporting support cost control

• Scalable infrastructure ensures seamless growth

Looking Ahead: Edge AI and 5G

Facewatch is now exploring edge intelligence, embedding facial recognition algorithms directly into cameras to process data locally. Combined with Pelion’s 5G connectivity, this will unlock even faster response times and reduce cloud load, enhancing privacy and efficiency.

The next evolution? A single device combining camera, routing, and an IoT SIM, making facial recognition IoT even more seamless and accessible.

A Safer Future for Retail

With a growing base of major retail customers, Facewatch continues to expand across the UK, offering a subscription-based model that ensures both affordability and adaptability. Their facial recognition IoT system, backed by Pelion, is not just reducing theft, it's giving store staff peace of mind.

“We needed a partner ready to evolve with us. With Pelion, we’ve found the speed, flexibility, and support we needed to scale our business.”
— Nick Fisher, Facewatch

Want to secure your retail business with facial recognition IoT?

Explore how Pelion and Facewatch are building the future of smart, connected security.